Christmas at the Crossroads 2009 featuring: The MBUMC Youth Choir “God Speaking” a dramatic musical presented by the 2009 MBUMC Christmas Choir The Wesley Ringers of MBUMC and MORE! Call for YOUR tickets and EXTRA tickets NOW 478-477-1901, ext.111 what could be stranger           …than God           …in a manger ______________________________________ GOD'S ANNOUNCEMENT One day the Lord God gathered all the citizens of heaven together.  He explained that He had made a very important decision – a decision that would change the earth forever.  “I have decided to go earth myself,” He explained to the gathered host. Ever eager for heavenly pomp, splendor and pageantry, the archangel Michael instantly volunteered to head up the earthly welcome with Kings, Rulers, and learned men from all over the earth to welcome Him with all possible splendor and pageantry, such as would befit the coming of the King of Kings.  He assured the Lord he would personally see to it that they bowed the knee in worship and homage. “Well,” the Lord replied patiently, “I kind of had in mind to only announce it beforehand to just a few – maybe to only two or three of the very smartest, most ‘in-tune’ and obedient people of stature.  There are a few on earth that have been studying the prophecies and watching the skies getting ready for something to occur.  What I want to do is let them in on my coming – and I think they’ll respond on their own.” The Lord’s comment about watching the skies struck a chord with the angel Uriel.  “Stars! That’s what we need for your trip to earth!  More stars in the sky. Skies filled with millions of blazing new and indescribable stars,” exclaimed Uriel. “Uriel, my servant, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I’ve thought about the light, too.  It will be just one. One bright new star in the heavens to announce – and to guide.”  My plan is for that one solitary light to so impact time, that it will never be forgotten. “As long as it provides enough light for the heavenly choir and musicians and the millions who’ll attend the Concert,” thought Gabriel. “And Gabriel, my trusted servant, I know you’re already thinking about music for the event,” said the Lord. “That’s right, my Lord.  And I think location is key.  We’ll need adequate seating – why, it will be standing-room-only!” began Gabriel. The Lord placed his loving arm around Gabriel’s shoulders and said, “Why don’t we do a concert for some folks who never get to go to a concert?  Maybe some simple folk… who work the midnight shift… and would really appreciate some good news about great joy?” “You have my blessing, Gabriel,” God continued, “to make it as grand and glorious as you like. You have the entire sky to use as your stage.  But our music will be done for those who need it most. And I promise it will be a concert to remember.” Noticing that the rest of the heavenly host was already busy preparing robes and crowns, warming up incense, and forming a heavenly, Kingly Entourage, God spoke to the entire host with one final word.  “Be it known that I am going as God, but – I am taking the form of a man.”  The crowd was hushed with wonder as the Lord went on. “I’m going to appear among those whom I have created as one of their own. I’m going to be born as a baby. I will be clothed, fed, and cared for by the ones I have made. I will be as helpless and dependent as any other human child, before or yet to be.  It will be up to my earthly parents to love and teach me as I grow.  And when I am grown I will love and teach my people in return.  In fact, I am prepared to do whatever it takes for me to show them just how much I love them.” “But Lord,” answered one angel from the silenced host, “You know the people you created can be, well, difficult and sometimes even mean and cruel.” “That’s exactly why I need to do this,” answered God softly. “I am their Father.  I will do whatever I have to do to show them how much I truly love them.”   And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us. And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.   [Retold by Steve Hester, based on comments made by Tim Zimmerman, director of The King’s Brass, at a live concert December 8, 2009] _______________________________________ TOP TEN HYMNS Everybody loves a Top-Ten List, so here’s one that ought to interest everyone who loves to sing to the Lord. Nethymnal.org has published their most recent “Top-Ten Hymn List.”  The list is based on frequency of search, access, and download.  Take a look at the list.  I’m sure one of your favorite hymns is probably listed. 1.                  “Amazing Grace”  (no surprise there…) 2.                  “Blessed Assurance” 3.                  “It Is Well With My Soul” 4.                  “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” 5.                  “Nothing But the Blood” 6.                  “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” 7.                  “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” 8.                  “The Old Rugged Cross” 9.                  “My Jesus, I Love Thee” 10.              “Battle Hymn of the Republic” Martin Luther said, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”  Keep on singing to the Lord, church! Blessings and peace,   Steve Hester Director of Music Ministries